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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason 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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.