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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered 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 fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.