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A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if 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.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.