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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.