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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.