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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.