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A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.