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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.