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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.