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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“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 decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.