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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team'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 touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts 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 fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.