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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.