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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.