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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner 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 may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.