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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had 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 appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.