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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.