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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.