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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.