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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.