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A mere two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.