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A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.