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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful 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 ought to be celebrated.