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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.