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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.