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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.