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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.