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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team'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 sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.