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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.