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Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team'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 touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.