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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.