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It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.