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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.