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It was 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side'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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.