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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.