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A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.