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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.