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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.