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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.