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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.