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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.