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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.