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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.