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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.