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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.