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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.