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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.