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Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.