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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.