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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.