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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.