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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts 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 matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.