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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.