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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies 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 without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.