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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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 shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.