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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.