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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.