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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled 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 team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.