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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team'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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.