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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.