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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.