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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.