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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.