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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.