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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.