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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.