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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.