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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.