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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.