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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.