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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.