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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, 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 adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.