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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.