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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.