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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

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 against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.