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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year 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 exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.