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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause 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 was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.