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It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.