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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of 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 decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.