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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa'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 proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.