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A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.