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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.