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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.