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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

“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 was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.