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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.