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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.