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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.