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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason 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, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.