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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.