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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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 opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.