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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.