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It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.