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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.