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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout 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 occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.