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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.