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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought 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 leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.