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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.