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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.