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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.