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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.