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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right 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 pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.