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Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.