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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.