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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear 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.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.