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Just two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.