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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.