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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.