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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.