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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.