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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“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 entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.