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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.