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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.