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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator 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.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. 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 statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.