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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“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 sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.