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It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of 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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.