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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.