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It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.