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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

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

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.