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It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator 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, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.