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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.