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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“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 Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.