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A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.