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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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 opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.