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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side'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, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.