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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.