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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.