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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.