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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.