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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.