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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.