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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom 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.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.