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A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source 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, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.