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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign 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 proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.