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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.