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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“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. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.