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A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.