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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.