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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.