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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. 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. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.