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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.