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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.