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A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.