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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.