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It was two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.