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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side'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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.