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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.