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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.