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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.