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Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.