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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.