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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.