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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.