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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.