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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.