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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.