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It was two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.