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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.