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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.