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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the side'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, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.