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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.