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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa'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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.