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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa'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 proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.