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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.