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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.