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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

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

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.