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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.