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A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.