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It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

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 find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.