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It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.