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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.