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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source 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, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.