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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

“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. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.