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Just two months ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.