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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.