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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.