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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.