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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.