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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.