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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.