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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.