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It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.