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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.