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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.