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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.