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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.