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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.