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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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 managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.