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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“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 proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.