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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.