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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.