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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.