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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“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 decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.