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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.