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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.