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A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa 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 at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.