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Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“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 proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.