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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.