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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.