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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa'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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.