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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.