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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.