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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.