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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.