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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.