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A mere two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.