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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.