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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

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

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.