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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.