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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign 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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.