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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side'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 touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.