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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.