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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side'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. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.