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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.