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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.