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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.