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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.