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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.