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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.