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A mere two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.