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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.