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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source 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, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.