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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.