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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.