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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.