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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.