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Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.