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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.