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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.