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A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.