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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.