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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem 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 the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.