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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.