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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.