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It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.