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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.