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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.