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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.