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A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, 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.