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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.