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It was two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.