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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

“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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.