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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.