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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.