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A mere two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.