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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team'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 was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.