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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.