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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, 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.