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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.