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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.