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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.