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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.