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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.