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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain 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 sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.