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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause 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, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.