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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.