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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.