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It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays 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 touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.