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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.