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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.