Morgan Rogers scored twice for Aston Villa as they beat Manchester United 2-1 at Villa Park to make it 10 wins in a row in all competitions.
Matheus Cunha did cancel out Rogers' stunning opener but the England forward struck again in the second half, proving the difference maker in an otherwise even contest.
Goals were likely, United having scored four in each of their two previous games but struggled defensively. And yet, the goalkeepers starred until late in the first half, Senne Lammens keeping out John McGinn, Emi Martinez saving well from Benjamin Sesko.
A bit of Rogers magic brought the breakthrough, cutting inside and finding the top corner. But Villa's celebrations were brief because Matty Cash was dispossessed by Patrick Dorgu, allowing Cunha to run through unchallenged to level before the interval.
United were worth their equaliser, having played the more enterprising football in the opening 45 minutes. But it became trickier in the second half, Bruno Fernandes going off injured and Lisandro Martinez coming on in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo absent.
Rogers' second, another curled effort beyond Lammens, restored Villa's lead and this time Cunha could not find the response. The Brazilian forward should have done so. His unmarked header from Dorgu's left-wing cross missed the target from six yards out.
Unai Emery's side stay third in the Premier League table despite the win, although they do close the gap to leaders Arsenal down to just three points again. Ruben Amorim's men miss the chance to move above Liverpool into fifth. They will spend Christmas in seventh.
Morgan Rogers speaking to Your Site:
"It's hard work, long hours, you want every shot to go in the top corner so it's nice when it does.
"You've just got to keep trying, sometimes it's your day and sometimes it isn't. Luckily, lately it's been my day which I'm happy about.
"I feel really confident, I'm enjoying my football. It's not just me, it's the team. The performances, the team give me that belief and allow me to be me."
Your Site' Paul Merson on Rogers:
"Sometimes the team does not work as a team and you have off days, then you need your X factors and game changers and they win you games out of absolutely nothing.
"And that is what Rogers is at the moment, he has been absolutely outstanding the last 10 games or so. They were not outstanding, but they had a game-changer."
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim speaking to Your Site:
"I think it's soft tissue [Fernandes injury] so it's going to be a while. We'll see.
"It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that. I think [Jack] Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news, [Shea] Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go for the next game.
"I am a manager for six years and even Sporting is all about the academy, so it's about the history. Every manager wants to bring players through from the academy and not spend money because this gives value to the manager.
"I just want to win and want to be certain that the players that come in from the academy are not going to suffer too much. I'm just trying to help the club, it doesn't matter if it's from the academy or abroad.
"I think we were the better team today. We were unlucky, even with the injury of Bruno, but during the game even without him we were the better team. We did a very good job that no one is going to remember tomorrow because what matters is the result."
Your Site' Patrick Rowe at Villa Park:
When Morgan Rogers first arrived at Aston Villa from Middlesbrough, the raw talent and traits were clear to see.
He was a strong and powerful runner with the ball who was capable of getting himself into dangerous positions, while also creating for teammates.
The glaring issue was his composure. Now, fast forward to the present day, he's gone above and beyond in that aspect.
Rogers isn't just a capable finisher anymore; he's performing at an elite level. And elite players are capable of replicating the extraordinary on a consistent basis.
You can make an argument about whether or not this level of finishing is sustainable but currently, with his confidence sky high, anything is possible.
The England international isn't just a key figure in the team anymore; he's been given the keys by Unai Emery and now puts the team on his back when it matters most.
Emery has always demanded a lot of Rogers and always will.
The long-range efforts might not be sustainable but the lofty standards his manager sets for him, and the drive to meet those targets, will be ever-present.
It won't always be as jaw-droppingly impressive as his recent form is but one way or another, Rogers will continue to contribute.
And if that is the case, Villa might just keep on winning.
Something special is bubbling away at Villa Park - and Rogers is leading the charge.
