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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.