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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.