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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.