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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side'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 sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.