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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.