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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.