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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They 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 could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.