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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.