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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.