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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.