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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.