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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.