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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.