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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.