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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.