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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa'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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder 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 feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.