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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.