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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.