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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign 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.”

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.