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It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.