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A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.