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It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.