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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.