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Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.