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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots 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 matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.