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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.