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A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.