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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.