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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.