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Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, 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.