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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.