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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.