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A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.