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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.