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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.