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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.