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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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 registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.