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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.