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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 had more shots and more shots on target. 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 statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.