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It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.