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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.