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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side'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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.