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A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.