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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.