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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that 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 thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.