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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“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. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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 opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.