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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.