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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.