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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• 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 will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.