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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.