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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.