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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.