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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.