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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.