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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.