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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.