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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.