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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause 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 proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just 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 setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.