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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.