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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.