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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa'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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.