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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright 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 a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.