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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

“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 entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.