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It was two months prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.