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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign 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.”

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.