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It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.