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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of 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, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.