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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.