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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.