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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.