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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.