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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause 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, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.