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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.