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Just two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.