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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.