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Just two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team'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 was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.