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Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading 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. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.