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Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team'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 entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.