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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.