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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.