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It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.