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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for 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 touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.