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A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.