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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.