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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.