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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.