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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.