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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of 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, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.