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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.