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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side'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 manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.