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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.