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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.