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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“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 much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.