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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, 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. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.