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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.