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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.