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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.