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Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.