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It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.