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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.