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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.