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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.