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Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.