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Just two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.