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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.