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A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom 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 sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.