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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies 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. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.