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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.