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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.