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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa'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, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.