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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.