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It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.