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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.