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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.