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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.