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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.