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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.