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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright 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 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.