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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

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

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.