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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.