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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.