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Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

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

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.