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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.