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Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.