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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.