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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.