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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.