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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause 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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.