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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.