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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.