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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.