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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.