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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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 opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.