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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.