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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.