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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.