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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.