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A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.