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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.