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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.