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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.