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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.