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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

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

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.