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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.