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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.