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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“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 far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.