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It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays 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.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.