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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.