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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.