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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.