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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.