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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.