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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.