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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.