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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.