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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.