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A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.