With two goals to his name, his first for Aston Villa since joining on loan from Manchester United in January, Marcus Rashford appears to be back.
The England international was forced out of Old Trafford after failing to win round Ruben Amorim, who was convinced the forward had become a hindrance rather than a help despite their inconsistent form.
When it became clear that Rashford's time at Old Trafford was over, the likes of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund emerged as potential suitors.
Yet it was Villa who ended up recruiting the 27-year-old, with Unai Emery choosing to make Rashford his temporary replacement for Jhon Duran - who left for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Aston Villa beat Preston to make FA Cup semi-finals
PA
Prior to Sunday's FA Cup clash with Preston, Rashford had failed to score a single goal for Villa.
However, despite that barren run, it's been clear that the England forward has regained some of his swagger since leaving United behind.
Rashford has been assisting frequently for Villa since his arrival. Before Sunday's fixture had had four to his name, including big ones against the likes of Chelsea and Club Brugge.
The goals have started to come now, too, however. The versatile attacker has had to be patient but hard work, it seems, is starting to pay off.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:Against Preston, Villa struggled in the first half. Rashford, deployed as a No 9 on a day when Ollie Watkins was afforded a rest, initially struggled to make his mark.
All that changed in the 58th minute, however, with the United academy graduate converting from close range after an accurate pass from Lucas Digne.
It was just what Rashford needed. With his goal duck over, and with a smile on his face once again, it was only going to be a matter of time before his second arrived.
Fortunately for him, and his side, he didn't have to wait too long.
Villa were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute when Morgan Rogers was fouled in the box
PA
Villa were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute when Morgan Rogers was fouled in the box.
The 22-year-old, who has excelled this term in the Premier League, made the most of a tackle but had his foot trodden on - with the referee pointing to the spot.
Rashford stepped up to take the spot-kick, with Preston goalkeeper David Cornell doing his utmost to put the Villa star off.
However, the 27-year-old kept his cool to double Villa's lead and all but assure their place in the next round.
Things got even better for Emery's team in the closing stages, with Jordan Ramsey finding the net and Digne clocking up his second assist of the game.
Villa haven't been quite as good in the Premier League this term, compared to 12 months ago.
But, with Rashford sending out a statement with his best performance for his new club since, Emery and his players will be starting to dream.
Villa haven't won a major trophy since 1996, when they beat Leeds United 3-0 to win the EFL Cup.
However, they're now just two victories away from ending that wait. This is a team very much on the up and, with Rashford back in form, the sky is the limit for what they can achieve between now and the end of the campaign.
