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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.