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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.