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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.