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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.