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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.