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It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.