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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.