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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

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 rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.