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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.