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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.