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It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.