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It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.