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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for 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 much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.