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It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.