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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.