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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.