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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.