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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.