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It was 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.