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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.