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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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 managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.