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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.