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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.