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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently 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 rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.