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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than 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 scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.