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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.