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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.