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Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.