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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.