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It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.