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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.