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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.