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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.