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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.