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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.