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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team'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, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.