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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.