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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opposition 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 have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.