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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.