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It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.