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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.