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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.