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Just two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.