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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa'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, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.