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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for 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, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.