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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.