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Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.