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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.