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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.