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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team'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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.