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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.