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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“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 much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.