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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.