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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa'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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.