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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.