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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.