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It was 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.