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A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.