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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.