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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team'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, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.