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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.