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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.