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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for 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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.