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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.