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A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.