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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.