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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.