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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

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 return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.