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Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

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

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.