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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.