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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.