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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.