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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.