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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. 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 the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.