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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.