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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.