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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward 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 must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.