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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.