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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.