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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.