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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced 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 as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

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 except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.