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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.