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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.