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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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 opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.