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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.