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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.