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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.