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Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.