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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.