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Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.