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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.