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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.