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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.