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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.