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Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.